When a truck accident happens, it can cause life-changing injuries to those who are involved. These accidents tend to occur due to negligent driving. However, it is also possible that they can happen as a result of inclement weather. This can include rain, snow, fog, or wind. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), winds greater than 25 miles per hour can detrimentally impact a truck driver’s ability to control their vehicle. Trucks have a large surface area and wind resistance can build up on one side, causing it to tip over. It is because of this that truck drivers should be aware of these risks to prevent accidents from happening. Continue reading below to learn more.
What are Causes of Wind-Related Truck Accidents?
Strong winds can increase the chances of a truck accident in many ways, including the following:
- High crosswinds: A strong gust of wind can cause a truck to sway or tip while traveling.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo on the truck that is not loaded correctly can shift and cause an uneven weight distribution in the truck, affecting the driver’s abilities during high winds.
- Failure to take appropriate action for weather conditions: Truck drivers are required to know the weather so they can implement the right safety measures. This can include slowing to a safe speed, pulling over until conditions improve, planning an alternative route, etc.
What Types of Accidents are Caused by Strong Winds?
Truck accidents are very dangerous. There are many types of these accidents that can be happen as a result of strong winds, such as:
- Rollover accidents: Wind can cause a driver to lose control and roll the vehicle over on its side. If this happens on a busy highway, it can harm other vehicles on the road.
- Underride accidents: Truck drivers who hit the brakes to control the vehicle after being hit by wind can cause a vehicle close behind to crash and slide underneath the truck.
- Jackknife accidents: When a driver hits the brakes too hard, the truck can fold in on itself and form a 90-degree angle.
- Lost load accidents: Improperly loaded cargo can come loose and fall out of the truck onto the road.
What do I do if I’m Injured in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, such back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, head and brain injuries, serious injuries, burns, amputation, disfigurement, internal injuries, etc. When these are sustained, victims can pursue legal action by filing a personal injury claim to recover compensation. During this time, they are required to prove negligence occurred and directly cause the accident as well as their injuries. Evidence that can help do so can include medical documentation of the injuries, pictures or video of the scene, witness testimonies, etc.
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If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
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